SAVANNAH, April 25, 2016
In an all-US-American final, No. 6 seed Bjorn Fratangelo defeated No. 8 seed Jared Donaldson 6-1, 6-3, to claim the $50,000 St. Joseph’s/Candler Savannah Challenger singles title.
Fratangelo took to the court for the third time in just over 24 hours and did not waste any time in the first set. He fired in three aces and took the opening set 6-1 in 26 minutes.
Bjorn Fratangelo and Jared Donaldson (photo: Jacob Stuckey)
Although Donaldson started to find his game in the second set, it was much of the same story. Fratangelo continued to convert break points and go for big serves. The 22-year old Pittsburgh native closed out the match in 1 hour and 14 minutes with a final score of 6-1, 6-3.
With the win Fratangelo claims his second ATP Challenger Tour singles title and first on the USTA Pro Circuit. He lifted his maiden trophy in Launceston 2015. Fratangelo also solidifies his lead in the USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge, leading the pack with 115 points.
“I’m just happy to be playing good tennis, I’m happy to you know be confident again, and you know I’m looking forward to the months ahead”, said Fratangelo, who earns $7,200 in prize money as well as 90 ATP ranking points.
Brian Baker and Ryan Harrison (photo: Jacob Stuckey)
In the doubles final, wild cards Brian Baker and Ryan Harrison defeated No. 3 seeds Purav Raja and Divij Sharan, 5-7, 7-6(4), 10-8. The American duo powered through three other teams before being put to the ultimate test today. With the win, Baker and Harrison have now claimed both the singles and doubles titles at the SJ/C Savannah Challenger. Baker won the singles title here in 2012 and Harrison won it the following year in 2013.
The men are now off to Tallahassee, FL for the $50,000 USTA Tallahassee Tennis Challenger. Both Fratangelo and Donaldson are playing and looking for those last crucial points in the USTA Pro Circuit Roland Garros Wild Card Challenge.
Sunday, April 24 – RESULTS
Singles – Finals
Bjorn Fratangelo (6), United States, d. Jared Donaldson (8), United States, 6-1, 6-3.
Doubles – Finals
WC-Brian Baker and Ryan Harrison, United States, d. Purav Raja and Divij Sharan (3), India, d. 5-7, 7-6(4), 10-8.
